Susan Kragt

Major:
Public and Nonprofit Administration

Hometown:
South Haven, Michigan, United States

Current Position and Employer:
Executive Director, West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center

Why did you choose to attend Grand Valley?
I wanted to pursue a master's degree in the field that I work, which is nonprofit management. Asking around in my community a lot of people told me that Grand Valley had a great program.

What do you like best about Grand Valley?
The professors. They're always open to answer questions about my job. I really like that most of the professors have experience in the nonprofit world.

Have you been able to incorporate your graduate studies into your job? How?
Every time I go into class, I come back to work the next day with five more things that I want to incorporate into my job.

How will Grand Valley help you meet your future goals?
On the one hand, I'm already in the job that I want. On the other hand, I want to do my job as best as I can. The master's in public administration with a nonprofit concentration is helping me achieve that goal - to really do good in my community and do it well.

How has Grand Valley's faculty made a difference in your graduate experience?
I find the faculty to be very challenging. They're challenging the way I approach nonprofit management.

What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
I would suggest they very much consider Grand Valley. The faculty come from all over. They have very broad experience.